Roger Ebert & The Movies: 12-19-99

Note: This is the very first episode where a brand-new long intro almost in the tradition of "Siskel & Ebert". But with Roger Ebert all alone in Chicago, out of the apartment after typing on the Apple eMac Computer and walking down the street giving "thumbs up" to the neighborhood before entering the Chicago theatre. Also, stitch the last part at the end with no sponsors nor credits from Larry's video.

Roger Ebert and Guest Critic, Joyce Kulhawik from WBZ-TV Boston reviews "Magnolia" (Co-Producer, Writer/Director, Paul Thomas Anderson's mesmerizing tale of several people in the San Fernando Valley giving their courage of love, forgiveness, traumatizing and meaningful ways of life and death. It's a masterpiece next to "Boogie Nights", "Hard Eight", "Punch-Drunk Love" and "There Will Be Blood". Starring: Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, William H. Macy, John C. Reilly, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Jason Robards, Melora Walters, Jeremy Blackman and Phillip Baker Hall. I agree strongly with Ebert and not Joyce.); "Stuart Little" (I really didn't like this adaptation of EB White's Best Children's story because of its plot, silly cartoonish tone, the awkward CGI movements and gives a bad influence to cats and mouse. It's no "MouseHunt" nor "Tom and Jerry". Like Ebert, I actually enjoy the sequel a lot more and follows the story better. Interesting enough, M. Night Shaymalan co-wrote the screenplay so he took most of the blame! Starring: Michael J. Fox, Nathan Lane (in their second collaboration since "Life with Mikey") as the voices alone with Hugh Laurie, Geena Davis, Jonathan Lipnicki and Jon Polito.); "Anna and the King" (Beautiful and Engaging Live-Action Adaptation of Rogers and Hammerstein's story, "The King and I". Starring: Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat. From "Ever After: A Cinderella Story" Director, Andy Tennant."; "Bicentennial Man" (A Sci-Fi Comedy/Drama about a housekeeping android who wants to become human later in future time. From director, Chris Columbus. Starring: Robin Williams, Sam Neil, Embeth Davidtz, Hallie Eisenberg and Oliver Platt. Disagree with both of them completely, I actually love this one!) and "Topsy-Turvy" (Brilliant film about the partnership of lyricist William Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan. With Jim Broadbent and Allen Corduner. Directed By: Mike Leigh.)

Video Pick of the Week: Ebert's pick is "The Mikado" (1939). And a recap of Today's program. (Love the moment when Ebert show his book and gave it to Joyce!)

Recorded on KATU ABC 2 in Portland, Oregon with Commercials intact.